Admissions
Parents are asked to read our School Policies and then fill in our Enrolment Form.
Arcadia Academy welcomes applications from pupils of all backgrounds, irrespective of ability or previous educational experience. Our school is currently made up of pupils with diverse linguistic, cultural and educational histories.
We believe in a responsible admissions policy and therefore look carefully at every application to ensure that Arcadia Academy is the right setting for each child. Although we make every effort to accommodate a child’s needs, we are not able to support those pupils whose behavioural record indicates that admission would adversely affect the welfare or learning of our existing pupils. All decisions are made in close consultation with families and in accordance with our admissions policy.
Enrolling at Arcadia
Enrolling your child is made to be flexible and informative, considering you and your child’s personal needs. The steps outlined below are only a guide and may vary depending on your circumstances.
School Visit
The first step is typically a visit to the school. This gives you the opportunity to gain further insight into the school and our community and meet with key members of staff. We will also take time to speak with you personally and guide you through the remaining steps in the process.
Although a school visit is highly recommended, it is of course possible to submit an Enrolment Form without having visited the school.
Contact us at office@arcadiaeducation.me about fees and other enquiries.
Trial Day
If your child would like to get a better feeling for life in our school, then we happily welcome children of all ages for a trial day. During this time, they get to spend a typical day at school, meeting their potential future classmates and teachers. This is by no means a mandatory part of the process, but is a great way to help the transition to a new school, which is a big step for every young person.
Placement Test
There is a selection and assessment process for pupils entering the school. We ask children entering the school from age 7 upwards to sit a placement test. This helps us establish the child’s strengths and learning needs, so that we can best tailor courses to support the child’s development. Should any concerns arise from testing, we discuss these with parents personally.
The assessment may include:
- Entry tests (typically Cambridge Progression Tests in English, Maths and Science, plus ESL tests where relevant)
- Interviews with the child and parents
- A trial day
- Previous school reports, references and samples of work
- Predicted and final grades
- Where applicable, consultations with EAL/SEN specialists or our school psychologist
In addition to carrying out entry assessments, applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds may be required to have an interview with the ESL Specialist or English teacher or to carry out supplementary tests in the four language areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to determine ease of access to the curriculum and/or the scope of internal provision available. We may invite applicants to meet with the Head of School or have a video call. Candidates under consideration for Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 entry meet or have a telephone interview with the Head. The general interview will explore the pupil’s subject selection, academic pedigree, meeting of entry requirements, interests, and attitude to school, personal qualities, ability to contribute to the Arcadia Academy community, support available at home and any other relevant information.
School Records
We also ask you to provide details of your child’s current school records or most recent reports, to gain a better understanding of your child’s progress so far in education.
Place Confirmation
Following testing, and dependent on place availability, a place offer will be made. At this point, we ask for a completed Enrolment Form and documentation. Following receipt of these, the place is confirmed. By enrolling a child into Arcadia Academy, parents also accept our School Policies.
Admission as a Private Candidate
Private candidates who are enrolled at other schools may apply to pass Cambridge examinations for Year 6, IGCSE and international A levels at Arcadia.
Private Candidate Placement
Private candidates must pass an initial placement test prior to taking international examinations. Based on the test results, a candidate may be advised to take individual tutorials or classes in order to strengthen their skills and knowledge and to qualify for taking examinations.
Taking Examinations
Candidates who qualify for taking Cambridge examinations are requested to book an agreed day and time to visit Arcadia with the Head Teacher.